Candidates on the hustings as Daly by-election D-Day arrives

With polling booths open across the Daly electorate the candidates’ last-minute campaigning is in full swing, with three of the four hopefuls making a final public pitch to voters.

AS polling booths open across the Daly electorate on Saturday the candidates’ campaigns are in full swing, with three of the four hopefuls making their final public pitch to voters.

The Country Liberal Party’s Kris Civitarese is looking to retain the seat vacated by outgoing CLP member Ian Sloan who resigned from politics last month.

The ex-army telco technician said he threw his hat in the ring “to fight for the issues that matter to the electorate — lowering crime, better roads, improving telecommunications, tackling water access and basic services such as health”.

Country Liberal Party candidate for Daly Kris Civitarese.

“As a long-term Territorian, I’ve spent most of my working life travelling in and around the regions of the NT, so I understand the daily challenges faced by those living and working in our rural and remote towns and communities,” he said.

“These challenges are particularly true for hardworking Territorians and small businesses in the Daly electorate, something that I can personally relate to as a tradie and as someone who has worked in our family construction business.

“My wife and our family are passionate advocates for the bush, rural and regional areas and I’ve seen and experienced first-hand how Territorians beyond the Berrimah Line have been abandoned.”

Labor’s man, Dheran Young, said his priorities for the electorate were “better roads, housing and telecommunications, more opportunity for young people, support for local business, access to health services and more”.

Labor’s Daly candidate Dheran Young.

“I’ve got strong connections across the region from my time living and working in Wadeye, helping young people get through school and running the local footy comp,” he said.

“I want people in the rural area and the bush to have access to the same services and opportunities as people in town.

“As the only candidate who can get things done as a member of Government, I am ready to deliver for the people of the Daly.”

As one of two independents looking to offer and alternative to the major parties, one time Territory Alliance candidate Rebecca Jennings said if elected, her focus would be on “connectivity — connectivity of roads, businesses, industry, essential services, infrastructure and people”.

Independent Rebecca Jennings.

“Resolving connectivity will aid in resolving our wider issues so we can start telling our stories and get more investment into the region by way of industry, tourism and government investment,” she said.

“We need a stronger and independent regional voice, someone who is willing to speak up, isn’t afraid of challenging the status quo and someone who has the energy and passion to action change and represent our community.”

Independent Wayne Connop did not respond to a request for comment.